Programmable Logic Controller Overview
Intel powers both traditional and soft programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that are commonly used in robotics and industrial automation applications.
What Are PLCs?
Traditionally, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are single-use electronic computing devices that are deployed to manage the operation of machines and electromechanical processes, primarily in an industrial context. Today, manufacturers and other industrial organizations are embracing soft PLCs: software-based controllers that can run on widely available general-purpose PC hardware. Multiple soft PLCs can be hosted on a single device. Both traditional and soft PLCs are commonly used in conjunction with SCADA systems and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
How PLCs Work
PLCs use the ladder logic programming language to enable engineers to build virtual circuits that can control electromechanical systems. They feature rugged designs that can tolerate harsh conditions and strenuous industrial applications. Because PLCs are often used in time-sensitive applications, they’re capable of scanning inputs and executing programming extremely quickly. Input/output (I/O) connections enable the PLC to receive information from connected equipment and output the appropriate instructions.
Essential PLC Hardware Components
Intel provides the processing power, Ethernet and wireless connectivity technologies, and memory capacity that help PLCs fulfill their critical roles.
Processor
PLCs are often used in time-sensitive applications—and that makes near-real-time processing essential. Processors featuring Intel® Time Coordinated Computing technology help deliver the performance required by PLC robotics and industrial automation. Intel® FPGA and processor solutions are used to power both traditional hardware PLCs and the COTS hardware used for soft PLCs
Memory
Memory holds the program used to make operational decisions—and stores the input/output used to understand and direct machines. Nonvolatile-memory-based Intel® Optane™ technology enables fast access and rapid performance in PLC applications.
Input/Output
These modules enable PLCs to integrate with field devices, understand conditions, and provide the appropriate direction. For example, a PLC may receive the speed of a connected motor as an input and provide direction on how that speed needs to be adjusted.
Communications
Intel® Ethernet technologies are used to connect PLCs to the internet and enable edge-to-cloud communications. We help ensure the speed and stability required for critical PLC applications.
PLC Programming Standards
To optimize performance and results as they program PLCs, developers rely on a variety of programming standards. These apply modern software principles to help streamline and simplify the process of designing and operating industrial control systems. While IEC 61131 has long been the industry’s primary standard, many are making or considering a transition to IEC 61449 to maximize IT/OT convergence, especially in multivendor scenarios.
Intel® Tools to Help You Get Started with Soft PLCs
At Intel, we’re dedicated to supporting the current PLC programming standards and helping ensure the near-real-time performance that’s required from both hardware and soft PLC solutions. Our technologies can help you deliver solutions for both standards with minimal code change requirements.
Intel® Edge Controls for Industrial
Keep workloads portable and use virtualization and containerization configurations to help consolidate mixed-criticality workloads.
Intel® Edge Software Hub
Bring IT, OT, and CT workloads together to simplify device and workload management and enable new cloud-native capabilities with Converged Edge Insights, available on Intel® Edge Software Hub.
Success Story: Enabling Easier Data Sharing at the Industrial Edge
Learn how TTTech Industrial uses Intel® Edge Controls for Industrial to enable real-time gatewaying of data from existing PLCs and I/O infrastructures.
Related Solutions
Get to know the Intel® technologies that are frequently used in conjunction with PLCs.
Intel® Robotics Solutions
Discover more about how robotics are achieving amazing things—and how Intel is helping make it possible.
Real-Time Systems
Learn how Intel is enabling the real-time operating systems that are often used in conjunction with PLCs.
Intel® Edge Technology
See how Intel is delivering a faster, more secure, and more affordable approach to edge computing.
Frequently Asked Questions
PLCs are single-use electronic computing devices that are deployed to manage the operation of machines and electromechanical processes, primarily in an industrial context.
PLCs are often used in industrial applications to control manufacturing equipment, often alongside SCADA systems. They’re also used in nonindustrial use cases such as traffic lights and elevators.
Traditional PLCs are fixed-function appliances that are typically used for a single, specific purpose on the plant floor. Soft PLCs are software-based PLCs that can be run on general-purpose commercial hardware. Multiple soft PLCs can run on a single device.